UMKC professor composes new work for KC Symphony

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Kansas City Symphony will perform a composition from a University of Missouri professor during its first season in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Chen Yi teaches composition at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the university's Kansas City campus.

The school says in a news release that the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation commissioned the work.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts' 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall will offer 360-degree seating when it opens next year.

Symphony officials say the upcoming season is designed to highlight the hall's acoustics and technical capabilities, as well as provide a showcase for the orchestra.